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Finally!!! I finally found an extremely clean 1st gen that isn't modified and/or with high mileage. Found this car listed online and knew immediately that it was the one and am going to be picking it up hopefully this weekend. I was originally planning a turbo track toy project and my next mini was going to be that, but now that I think about it, this cooper seems to clean to modify. So, I guess this means I need to buy another one This is my 3rd r53 but first facelift with WORKING KEY FOBS, dual gauge, nav, and the beautiful tan interior with the chrome package. I was hoping the car as a whole was in worse condition so that I don't feel bad gutting the interior and messing with the paint, but it is too too TOO clean for that. My other two were 04's and not so full of options like this one is.
My first mini was my uncles which was a slick top and had roughly 175k which was the start of my mini fever. Built it but I didn't know what I was doing and blew the motor (im 18), but a lot of people were telling me that Jan over at RMW has poor quality control over his products which led to my valve puncturing the top of my piston. My second 04 was purchased from the original owner who was an elderly lady which had about 77k miles and was perfect! Needed small things like a valve cover which I did right away and drove flawlessly ever since. Had to sell that because I was starting school and wanted something more reliable and durable to take on my 45 minute - 1-hour commute to school. I went for a 3rd gen 4runner (also purchased from the original owner). Unfortunately, I just learned that it has a slight crack in the cylinder head and my mechanic is quoting me 9k in just labor. Nope not doing that.
So that brings me to this beauty, my new (to me) 1-owner 2005 Mini Cooper S with only 80k miles!
Here are some photos:
Not really sure what my plans are. I would like to do a turbo build but this one is too clean maybe I'll actually get another cooper and build that.
Anyway thought I'd share my new member to the family and get your guys' thoughts on her! Stay safe and motor on.
Helluva great score! Please keep it original, plenty others out there to track and play with.
Ok, I'm dying to know what you paid for it! It's in amazing condition and optioned out.
Helluva great score! Please keep it original, plenty others out there to track and play with.
Ok, I'm dying to know what you paid for it! It's in amazing condition and optioned out.
My plans for my next mini cooper was to modify and track it but I would be stupid to ruin such a clean example of an r53. Like I said I probably have to buy another cooper but I don't think some people in my house would be okay with that idea . Basically stole the cooper for $4,900!!! I bought it from a dealer that only sells charity donated vehicles. Kind of like KarsForKids but on a smaller level.
Last edited by ttawfik3; Mar 28, 2024 at 06:06 AM.
Picked it up yesterday and it seemed to have some issues driving. The dcs light, service engine soon, and EML lights came on. Car couldn’t rev up past 2k. Had to pull over and it seemed like the dealer that I got it from when cleaning the engine got water into the engine (at least this is what I thought). The hose clamp to the air box was loose so I tightened it and the code went away so I thought that was it. Kept driving and it all came back and it seemed like some vacuum issue. When I got home I went to autozone and they gave me the code to be a p0172 codes and other codes came bc of the p0172. Replaced the map sensor and I drove it yesterday for about 2 hours to make up what I missed for driving the car back from the dealer. Went on some curvy roads and I was like a little kid smiling and laughing.
I must say, it feels extremely good to be back into minis after driving a Toyota 4Runner. I forgot the responsive steering, handling and acceleration! It’s unfortunate this car had some issues but let’s hope nothing else happens.
Like I had said in the original post I purchased the car with 80k miles and currently the car reads 95, 780 miles. I have been daily driving the cooper since I purchased it about 50 miles a day. I love it!
I decided to mess with this one as this was my daily and the miles would only go up from 95k so theres no point in keeping it stock. That being said, being it was my daily I am only limited to small cosmetic stuff which included a full aero kit and luggage basket up top along with stickers. Im probably pushing around 300 hsp including all the stickers and especially with the basket .
One major maintenance job the car underwent was a clutch job at exactly 90k. Done it at a local mechanic shop and replaced all to mini oem spec parts (Valeo Kit) including the rear main seal. It was a pretty costly job: $2,107.48. And funny enough my neighbor has a 2007 Base cooper that needed a clutch and found a shop that charged him $1000! He has not had any issues with the car since the job and that was about 2-3 months ago. I guess I will be doing it myself next time.
I have two sets of wheels: one of them is Sparco Asseto Gara 16x7 et38 205/55/16 and my XXR 006 18x7.5" et 40 (I believe) 225/40/18. And yes, it is indeed 225/40/18. Took a very very long time to see if I can fit it in the car and I finally landed on the widest (under stock suspension components without lowering, spacers, etc) wheel spec. And my god are the sparcos light! My MPG with the sparcos average around 27-29 and with the XXR it plummets down to 20 MPG. The paint on the XXR set is really bad and in need of a repaint so it will be the winter set for the time being.
So far nothing major is broken with the car. Although there are some minor stuff that are put on a pause until the weather starts to warm up for me to start taking action. 1.) Unfortunately my father backed into the front of the cooper with the front aero bumper installed so the whole front bumper will have to be repaired and repainted.
2.) Front sway bar bushings are completely shot and actually knock over every bump and is starting to knock into my brain. Summer is just around the corner and cannot wait to do a full subframe refresh including all the bushings down there.
3.) I had an antenna leak so I took apart the antenna but the gasket is almost non-existent. I patched it up with a black vinyl wrap just in the mean time until I can find a gasket.
4.) This cooper came with SAT NAV and unfortunately it went; saying that the computer is unable to read the Navigation DVD. I believe this repair is as simple as purchasing a new NAV DVD online and replacing it? I hope so and will leave that for last as it is really unimportant and google maps is only a couple buttons away lol.
5.) Front wheel speed sensor. Got my traction control, abs and tire pressure sensor is on and has been on for the last 10k miles which is right when it got cold. I already purchased the sensor just waiting for a warm day to do all this.
6.) Oil leaks. Unfortunately, I have actually a few and its very upsetting since it happened pretty sudden which is my oil filter housing gasket and my oil pan (recommended by mini dealer).
7.) Front brakes (Pads and rotors). Gosh, making a mini your daily driver really takes a toll on your wallet...:(. Whenever I press the brakes, my wheel shakes like there's no tomorrow. And the edge on the rotors is very prominent. So a replacement is coming!
8.) Rear shocks. Feel like the car bounces a lot in the rear so I will replace the rears.
9.) Both feed and return power steering hoses since its a pool of oil down there and its coming from the two hoses. (MINI recommended as well)
10.) Now this I believe I should do even though its showing no signs of failure since I am nearing the 100k mark and summer is here and I do not want to enter the next winter nearing 100k without the supercharger being serviced so I would like to also service the supercharger. Ill be purchasing the whole kit online and be completing that this summer.
This summer I am also planning to dedicate to learn how to properly buff the paint. I watch AMMO NYC and hes a pro at his work and shows a great passion in his work. I love his breakdown of what exactly goes on when you place your finger on the paint and even dives into the manufacture structure of paint application processes.
This Christmas, my brother purchased me an ultra-gauge since it was really stupid (on minis end) to not include any type of coolant gauge in the car. I had no idea what temp the car was reading. So I got the gauge setup with the tables and everything. It is a game changer!
Love this cooper and do plan on keeping it for more memories to come! This photo is with the sparcos mounted, basket, and the aero kit (before pops bumped into it:( ). Here is the cooper with the XXR wheels and like I said the fitment is really perfect being that this is fully stock suspension and no modifications! Snowy cooper Another shot with the sparcos. Love the wheels but maybe if I can install some spacers to bump them out because they tuck would make me love them even more! Heres a shot the day I picked up the XXR's without the basket uptop. Looks bald lol. But the paint on these wheels were faded so I painted them black but I am in no way, shape, or form a painter, so lets just say it needs repainting again. This is probably my favorite shot. (Left) my new r53 which has 68k miles. Garage kept its entire life and a complete original. (Middle) My cooper with no basket but with the sparcos and aero kit. (Right) Brothers 05 r53 which is lightly modded and that includes a pulley, injectors, intake, adrian tune, one ball mod, and bypass valve.
Congrats on the R53 and hello from a fellow NJ MINI fanatic! Awesome to see the love for first gens! I'll look out for your car or your family's cars! I am in Basking Ridge, near Morristown! Hope to see you around!
Nice, what a change. I like the IJob line up. I still have one of the rare IJob stickers in clear from the old launch party in LA. They were suppose to be displayed in the back windows of your car.
Congrats on the R53 and hello from a fellow NJ MINI fanatic! Awesome to see the love for first gens! I'll look out for your car or your family's cars! I am in Basking Ridge, near Morristown! Hope to see you around!
Well hello to you too! I am from Bergen County in Jersey so just a couple exits north on the parkway from you. Link up a photo of your MINI so I can keep an eye out for yours as well. Thanks!
Nice, what a change. I like the IJob line up. I still have one of the rare IJob stickers in clear from the old launch party in LA. They were suppose to be displayed in the back windows of your car.
Yuuuuppp. Very happy I was able to achieve a full Italian Job line up. The red r53 is an immaculate example of a preface lift. After driving my current 2005, the red 2003 is extremely slow and sluggish. I believe that is because of the gearing in the transmissions.
I would love to have a sticker for the Italian job! After all, more stickers = more horsepower.
Also off topic - where can I find the genuine OEM mini cooper car cover made for r53 generations? I have been wondering where I can find them as I want the original one that says mini on it. Like the photo I linked.
Also forgot to note: From my first mini cooper which came with the aero kit, I lost the tow cover that was originally with the kit so I purchased one from ALLMAGAUTOPARTS and painted it white. Stands out and does not look that well but I wanted to have this covered in the meantime until I find the chance to paint it the correct pepper white color and what better time to have it painted than now, now that there is a crack in the front bumper.
Id have to rock the original stock s bumper in the meantime but that's fine with me as long as I have an aero kit I can sleep at night!
Congrats on the car. I never find deals especially on low mileage cars. Just a bit of friendly advice- start learning to wrench on your car. If you rely on mechanics and dealerships, this will not be a pleasant experience. Case in point- $2k for a clutch? The clutch kit is just a couple hundred bucks. And $9k for a cracked head? It's robbery. And if it's not off the truck you have no idea if that is the issue. I'd pull it and take it to a machine shop to be magnafluxed first (this will confirm if there is a crack or not). If it is cracked, there are heads on ebay for $350, then all you need is a gasket kit $40-70, and new head bolts $40 or so. This is not that complicated. This forum is very informative and helpful - we're all here to help!
Anyway, really digging the car and color combo. Enjoy.
Congrats on the car. I never find deals especially on low mileage cars. Just a bit of friendly advice- start learning to wrench on your car. If you rely on mechanics and dealerships, this will not be a pleasant experience. Case in point- $2k for a clutch? The clutch kit is just a couple hundred bucks. And $9k for a cracked head? It's robbery. And if it's not off the truck you have no idea if that is the issue. I'd pull it and take it to a machine shop to be magnafluxed first (this will confirm if there is a crack or not). If it is cracked, there are heads on ebay for $350, then all you need is a gasket kit $40-70, and new head bolts $40 or so. This is not that complicated. This forum is very informative and helpful - we're all here to help!
Anyway, really digging the car and color combo. Enjoy.
Oh trust me..
If I had the time I would have done about 99% of all the work I had done on my own! You are 100% correct in that there is really no way to rely on dealerships and mechanics for repairs. At the end of the day they are there to rip you off and sometimes leave you the same way you walked in.
But a couple of things: I had never done a clutch job on my own. Not saying I am not mechanically inclined but not THAT inclined lol. That being said it left me no choice but to have it done at a shop and especially the fact it was my daily car too I just did not want to risk it. Say this happened mid May, I would have done it.
My brother was lucky enough to need a big job coming up last Christmas and I had off from school for break so I told him to order all the parts he needed for his car so once I start my break, I can just start working on his car. His car needed a whole ton of parts including a new steering rack, power steering pump, inner and outer ball joints, sway bar end links, control arm bushings, supercharger service, bypass valve (replaced with Detroit tuned bypass valve), front wheel bearings and tie rods. I think if I were to bring that to a shop I would have paid nearly $1,500!!! At the end of the day he paid just about $400-500 in parts. Def. worth the time and money to wrench on these little turds yourself lol.
Yuuuuppp. Very happy I was able to achieve a full Italian Job line up. The red r53 is an immaculate example of a preface lift. After driving my current 2005, the red 2003 is extremely slow and sluggish. I believe that is because of the gearing in the transmissions.
I would love to have a sticker for the Italian job! After all, more stickers = more horsepower.
Also off topic - where can I find the genuine OEM mini cooper car cover made for r53 generations? I have been wondering where I can find them as I want the original one that says mini on it. Like the photo I linked.
Just recently have I been getting some codes that show up on the ultra gauge as "pending codes".
Two codes:
P1498
P0128
P1498 is I believe related to some vacuum leak? "Unmetered air entering intake system". But the problem is I do not know where...
P0128 that coolant temp is too low. I immediately thought stuck thermostat, but I read somewhere online that someone said they replaced their thermostat after said code came up for them and the problem stayed. So, I am wondering if anyone has had any issues with this? And if so, any luck???
To note: Since I plugged in the ultra-gauge, I have been looking at my engine temp and it has been steady at 90-93C. Last night, right when the scanner started beeping like crazy for the codes, I checked the temp and it was at the highest I have ever seen, 95C. Took a little detour home and hopped on the highway to see if maybe the stop and go traffic I was just in was the culprit since I was always previously in stop and go traffic and I never see it go above 93 and thankfully the temp started to fall down ever so slowly. I really do not know what to think of it. I am planning to have all these issues diagnosed at MINI within the next couple weeks as it is soon time to do an oil change so I will also tell them to check and report any issues. Another note: I did recently have my clutch replaced. Shop that did it sent me photos of the whole car taken apart including the radiator, condenser, and black intake tube that comes from the TB to the SC. I am also theorizing that the gasket that mates the black intake tube to the supercharger or the black tube to the throttle body be the culprit to the P1498 code.
Again, it is too damn cold outside! I can't even fill my tires with air without having to go back in to warm up before my fingers fall off. I gotta wait for the summer to start diagnosing all these issues myself instead of burning my money.
Last edited by ttawfik3; Feb 19, 2025 at 01:49 PM.
This is my 3rd r53 but first facelift with WORKING KEY FOBS, dual gauge, nav, and the beautiful tan interior with the chrome package. I was hoping the car as a whole was in worse condition so that I don't feel bad gutting the interior and messing with the paint, but it is too too TOO clean for that. My other two were 04's and not so full of options like this one is.
It's in amazing condition and optioned out.
